Door Is Shut For Uncommitted Players: Loga

Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has reiterated that he will prioritise commitment in picking his men to do duty for the national team.

The Croat made the remarks announcing a 24-man Warriors squad to face Algeria in their group H African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 back-to-back qualifiers set for November 12 and 16.

The Warriors are going to start with an away match and critics are doubting the fitness level of the some of the selected players.

Loga told the media recently that a number of foreign-based players showed no interest after they were contacted ahead of crucial encounters against the African champions.

“We as the Warriors must respect ourselves. Zimbabwe is giving you an opportunity to play and represent it and you are doubting. If you are born in this country, you should respect this country. If your parents are born here, you should make your parents proud. You should play and make your parents proud for the country.

“If you are not sure you have commitment for the country you were born of for the country your parents are coming from, you are not welcome. The story is finished,” Loga said.

Zimbabwe has for long been chasing Queens Park Rangers marksman Macauley Bonne, Andy Rinomhota of Reading, Swansea City’s Tivonge Rushesha, West Brom’s Brendon Galloway and Reiss Nelson of Arsenal to no avail.

Bonne has recently shown interest resulting in him getting help to obtain a Zimbabwean passport but is said to have excused himself to face the Desert Foxes.

However, asked on the players who have been hard to pin down, Loga could not be drawn to comment.

“It is not necessary to mention the names. We expected some names on the list and they didn’t show commitment and so the story is finished for them.”

Loga is optimistic that the choice they made with his two assistants Lloyd Chitembwe and Tonderai Ndiraya will deliver.

The trio is worried about the plight of European-based players like Tinotenda Kadewere and Marvelous Nakamba who will be released late due to their respective club commitments.

The Warriors will troop into camp on November 6, with those in Europe joining them late.

All the players are expected to fly to Harare before chartering to Algeria for the first leg while the second leg is set for the National Sports Stadium on November 16.

The full 24-man squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka, SA)
Talbert Shumba (Nkana, Zambia)
Tatenda Mkuruva (Michigan Stars, USA)

Defenders
Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana, Zambia)
Alec Mudimu (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova)
Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth, England)
Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey)
Tendai Jirira (Detroit City, USA)
Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows, SA)
Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest, England)
Adam Chicksen (Notts County, England)

Midfielders
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims, France)
Ovidy Karuru (Unattached)
Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu, SA)
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United, Zambia)
Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport, SA) Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen, Belgium)
Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates, SA)
King Nadolo (Dynamos, ZIM)
Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa, England)
Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs, SA)

Strikers
Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon,France)
David Moyo (Hamilton, Scotland)
Prince Dube (Azam, Tanzania) Nhau/Indaba